Ep 2. A Song for Portland

In the second episode of Portlandia's first season, titled "A Song for Portland," the show continues to poke fun at the city's unique quirks and subcultures.

The episode opens with a musical introduction that celebrates Portland's eclectic nature, featuring a wide variety of characters dancing and singing throughout the city. The song sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which revolves around Artisan Knots, a local business that creates hand-knitted accessories.

The skit follows the eccentric owners of Artisan Knots, Bryce and Lisa Shivers, as they showcase their wares to an indifferent crowd at a local farmers' market. Despite their enthusiasm and quirky personalities, Bryce and Lisa struggle to sell their elaborate, brightly-colored knitted pieces to the practical-minded shoppers of Portland.

Meanwhile, another storyline unfolds in the form of a music video called "Dream of the 90s." The video, which is shot in a grungy style reminiscent of MTV's heyday, features several hipster stereotypes singing about the joys of living in the "dream of the 90s," where everything is retro and ironic. The song is catchy and memorable, and serves as a funny commentary on Portland's ironic culture.

As the episode progresses, Bryce and Lisa's frustration with their lack of sales reaches a breaking point. In an attempt to attract customers, they resort to increasingly bizarre tactics, including dressing in animal costumes and knitting tiny hats for dogs. However, their efforts still fail to resonate with the practical-minded people of Portland.

The episode ends on a humorous note, with Bryce and Lisa finally finding success by marketing their knitting patterns as a way to deter burglars. The idea is met with enthusiasm from the paranoid residents of Portland, and the couple's fortunes begin to turn around.

Overall, "A Song for Portland" is a hilarious and satirical take on the city's unique culture and subcultures. The show's blend of humor and social commentary makes it a hit with audiences, and continues to be a beloved fixture in the world of sketch comedy. Fans of Portlandia are sure to love this episode and its quirky, offbeat humor.